The Students Become the Masters The freshers tell Debate Magazine what’s cool By Andrew Broadley
Tom: I go to basically all my classes, but that’s also to hang out with mates. With all the lockdowns a lot of classes have been online anyway so no real excuse not to go. Debate: I mean 8AM is still 8AM... Tom: Yeah true, I mean if it’s recorded then whatever, otherwise just get up and go. Hazel: Yeah like I’m sure I’ll skip a few classes, but having a policy is definitely not cool. I think young people in general care a lot more now and are a lot more involved in what’s happening in the world, and that probably extends to how we approach university to some extent. I like to think I’m pretty cool, but as much as it hurts to acknowledge, I’m no fresher. I’m not even a second or third year. And as my insecurity grows I have gotten desperate, enlisting the help of some incoming and outgoing freshers to tell me what’s cool in 2021. So don’t take my advice, take theirs.
Q: Alright, I’ve enrolled at AUT, what am I here to study? Am I an edgy fine arts student or a Kings College graduate destined for a summer internship with Russell McVeagh?
Craccum (they would never resort to such shoddy journalism). Tom: I mean comms girls are cool... Debate: Oh... Hazel: I am studying law, which I think is cool if you’re a female, as more representation in these roles is awesome, if you're a Kings College boy maybe not. I do like a softboi though so I’d be down for fine arts or design.
Tom: Yeah I do Comms too...
Q: When I was at uni, I didn’t go to classes before 12pm. I was probably hungover so just didn’t show up to morning lectures. Would this be seen as cool, or are the youth into trying now?
Debate: I didn’t really think this through, okay well, pretend we are at UoA and this is
Sarah: I mean 12 seems a bit late. I get that an 8AM class can be hard but yeah...
Sarah: It’s AUT, I thought we were all studying Comms?
Q: I studied in Wellington where it was pretty common to flat. Auckland is a bit different, are people fine with staying home or should I get my own place so I can throw parties? Sarah: It’s definitely cool to live in a flat, but if it’s really gross then it’s also a pretty quick turnoff. Tom: I was in halls last year which was awesome, apart from COVID fucking it up, and this year a few mates and I have a flat. I'm definitely excited. Hazel: Yeah I am in halls this year and like I’m expecting it to be pretty shit in terms of actually living, but it’s fun and a great way to meet people. If you do stay home it’s not the end of the world, it saves money and you can always find friends with places.
